View source for Fractal-Bot

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=About Fractal-Bot=

Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.

It lets you do the following:

* Update the firmware of the device
* Update the USB firmware of the device
* Import or export single presets, or entire preset banks
* Import or export a single IR, or entire cab banks
* Backup and restore system data, including [[Global blocks]]
* Backup and restore the FC controllers settings

[http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot (Windows or macOS)]

Fractal-Bot is also embedded in the editors. The embedded version is more convenient, whereas the standalone version has some additional capabilities.

For more information see:
* [[Owners Manuals]]
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot forum]
* <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-for-no-backup.49204/ WICKED WIKI 5: No Excuse for No Backup]</q>

[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]

=Read this first=

* Always create '''backups''' of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
* To connect Fractal-Bot to your Windows computer, you may need to install a '''driver''' for your operating system. read this: [[USB]].
* Use the correct '''USB port'''.
* Fractal-Bot is available as a '''standalone''' application, and as an '''embedded''' tool in the editors.
* In case of issues, verify that you're running the '''latest version''' of Fractal-Bot.
* In case of connection issues, try another '''USB cable''' first.
* To prevent communications issues, '''don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time'''.
* If Fractal-Bot '''hangs''' during transfers, check for a corrupted preset or cab.
* When using '''[[Global blocks]]''' in your presets, make sure to back up the system data too.
* After restoring system data to your device, always shut down your device and '''boot''' it again.
* Fractal-Bot doesn't save your editor's '''[[Library]]''' (block library). The contents are stored on your computer.
* If you've restored presets to your device with Fractal-Bot, and they don't seem to appear on your device, make sure that the device is running '''current firmware''' and '''refresh''' the list.
* When using an Axe-Fx II, disable '''USB Adapter Mode'''.
* If something goes wrong when installing new firmware, and your device won't boot, read this: '''[[Emergency boot recovery]]'''.

=Using Fractal-Bot=

==Launch within the editor==

The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.

==Connect==

Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]

==Auto-update==

Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.

==Update firmware==

Read this: [[Firmware]]

==Install factory presets==

Read this: [[Factory presets]]

==Utility mode (hidden)==

In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special mode:

# Hold <kbd>CTRL</kbd> on Windows or <kbd>COMMAND</kbd> on macOS
# Click <q>Select Device</q> to reveal and select the hidden <q>Utility</q> menu option
# Select the output port
# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms

=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=

==Check available firmware==

Hold down the Control key on Windows or the Command key on Mac, and click on the device in the device drop down. Fractal-Bot will display the most recent firmware available on the server. [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/incorrect-dyna-cab-version-after-update.207622/#post-2591245]

==Snapshots==

Saving Snapshots in the editor is another way to quickly create backups of presets. Read this: [[Editors]]

==Speed up transfers==

Switching to an empty preset before launching Fractal-Bot may speed up data transfers.

==Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time==

The standalone version of Fractal-Bot and a software editor cannot run at the same time. This is to avoid confusing the hardware.

Trying to do so will result in an error message from Fractal-Bot if the editor was already running.

[[Image:Fractalbotconnecterror.png|350px]]

or similar to this from the editor if Fractal-Bot was already running.

[[Image:Editconnecterror.png|350px]]

==If the Browse button doesn't work==

If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file <q>Fractal-Bot.settings</q> and restart.

==Emergency Boot Recovery==

In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the <q>[[Emergency boot recovery]]</q> process.

=Videos=

[[video:FAS-FB]]
[[video:G66-Firmware]]

[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
[[Category:Axe-Fx3]]
[[category:FM3]]
[[category:FM9]]
[[category:VP4]]
[[category:Remote]]
[[category:FX8]]
[[category:AX8]]
[[category:All]]